HSK 5, f, 7 strokes, radical 刀, rank #2706, Medium
初
chū
(at the) beginning
HSK 5, f, 7 strokes, radical 刀, rank #2706, Medium
初
chū
first
HSK 5, f, 7 strokes, radical 刀, rank #2706, Medium
初
chū
junior
HSK 5, f, 7 strokes, radical 刀, rank #2706, Medium
初
chū
basic
HSK 5, f, 7 strokes, radical 刀, rank #2706, Medium
初
chū
beginning, initial, primary
HSK 5, f, 7 strokes, radical 刀, rank #2706, Medium
chū(chu1) T1
1at first
2(at the) beginning
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March 24, 2026
初chū(chu1)
The character 初 (chū) refers to the beginning or initial stage of something. It is commonly used to describe the first occurrence of an event, a novice in a field, or basic concepts. For instance, it can describe a beginner's level in a skill or the initial phase of a project.
Strokes7Radical刀Frequency#2706DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of beginnings is significant in Chinese culture, often reflected in traditional practices such as 新年 (xīnnián - New Year), where people celebrate new beginnings with various customs and rituals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fresh sprout (初) emerging from the earth at the very beginning of spring. The '初' looks like a sprout breaking through the ground, symbolizing something new and starting out.
Meanings of 初
chū(chu1)
1at first
2(at the) beginning
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 初
初Simplified
7Strokes
刀Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#2706Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 初
Podcast: 初
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AI Study Notes for 初
Quick Contrast
初 (chū) vs 先 (xiān) — use 初 for the very beginning or first instance, while 先 indicates a prior position or precedence in time.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fresh sprout (初) emerging from the earth at the very beginning of spring. The '初' looks like a sprout breaking through the ground, symbolizing something new and starting out.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 初 with 终 (zhōng), which means 'end' or 'final.' It's used in both formal and informal contexts, usually coupled with other terms like 初学者 (chūxuézhě - beginner) or 初步 (chūbù - preliminary). Pay attention to the tone, ensuring it's pronounced with the first tone.
HSK Study Tips
初 is not currently in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it connects well with HSK 1 words like 学 (xué - to learn) and 习 (xí - to practice). Students should focus on its usage in phrases to understand its context better.
Cultural Note
The concept of beginnings is significant in Chinese culture, often reflected in traditional practices such as 新年 (xīnnián - New Year), where people celebrate new beginnings with various customs and rituals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 初 with other similar characters like 首 (shǒu - first) or 早 (zǎo - early). For instance, saying '初晨' instead of '早晨' for 'early morning' is incorrect, as it should be '早晨'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 初
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Grammar Patterns of 初
初 carries 6 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
In the early seventies I wore false eyelashes, as was the fashion.
9
这只是初步的想法，并非成形的提议。
zhè zhī shì chū bù de xiǎng fǎ， ， bìng fēi chéng xíng de tí。
It was an embryo idea rather than a fully worked proposal.
10
她带的这班学生都是初学者。
tā dài de zhè bān xué shēng dū shì chū xué zhě。
The people that she had in her classroom were beginning learners.
Cultural Notes for 初
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of beginnings is significant in Chinese culture, often reflected in traditional practices such as 新年 (xīnnián - New Year), where people celebrate new beginnings with various customs and rituals.
Word Family of 初
Words Containing This Character20
初chūat first
当初dāngchūat that time當初
最初zuìchūfirst
初步chūbùinitial
初中chūzhōngjunior high school
起初qǐchūoriginally
初恋first love初戀
初期chūqīinitial stage
年初niánchūbeginning of the year
初次chūcìfor the first time
初级chūjíjunior初級
初衷chūzhōngoriginal intention or aspiration
初始initial
初一New Year's Day
初三third year in junior middle school
初二2nd day of a lunar month
初选primary election (US)初選
初学者beginning student初學者
初始化initialization
初稿first draft (of writing)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 初 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 初
Yes, 初 is used in several common expressions, such as 初高中 (chū gāozhōng), which refers to junior high school, and 初步 (chūbù), meaning 'preliminary.' These expressions highlight its use in educational and developmental contexts.
初 (chū) refers to the beginning or first stage of something, while 先 (xiān) generally means 'before' or 'prior.' 初 focuses on the initial aspect, whereas 先 emphasizes a sequence of actions.
初 can be used in various contexts, such as in phrases like 初次见面 (chūcì jiànmiàn), meaning 'nice to meet you for the first time.' It can also be used to refer to someone who is at the beginning level of a skill or subject.
初 (chū) means 'beginning' or 'first.' It is commonly used to describe something that is at the initial stage or basic level, such as 初学者 (chūxuézhě), meaning 'beginner.'
You can say '我初学中文' (Wǒ chūxué zhōngwén) meaning 'I am a beginner in learning Chinese.'
No, 初 can also describe stages or versions, like '初版' (chūbǎn - first edition).
The opposite is 终 (zhōng), meaning 'end' or 'final.'
